Analyzing How Malachi Moore Fits Into The NY Jets Defense

The 2025 NFL Draft has been one of hits and misses for the New York Jets. Thankfully, the misses have been few and far between, with the team getting a good portion of their picks right. The Jets hit their first two picks out of the park as they drafted Armand Membou and Mason Taylor in the first and second rounds, respectively. They then took Azareye’h Thomas in the third round, which wasn’t a bad pick, just a confusing one. Their first fourth-round pick would be their first real miss as they took wide receiver Arian Smith, who leaves a lot to be desired. Then they took Malachi Moore.

The New York Jets have made their second move of Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. They traded up to select Alabama safety Malachi Moore, with the 130th overall pick in the fourth round. After a confusing and controversial selection of their first fourth-round pick, the Moore pick feels much better and has been met with a bunch of optimism and happiness from the Jets fans.

Analyzing How Malachi Moore Fits Into The NY Jets Defense

Moore brings real versatility and some great experience to a Jets secondary that needed more long-term depth at safety. Moore, who was a three-year starter at Alabama, showcased his football IQ, toughness, and everything that fits perfect with what the new Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn, is trying to build on their defense.

Moore brings the kind of leadership that teams are looking for with their Day 3 prospects. Is he the best player in college football? No. He was a projected Day 3 pick, which means some players were better ahead of him. The two-year team captain at Alabama started for multiple seasons in Nick Saban’s defensive system. He logged nearly 500 special teams snaps, contributing on kickoffs and punt coverage units.

He is far from the most dynamic athlete, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad player. His football IQ, toughness, and versatility make him the type of reliable player coaches would love to have on their roster. He’s an experienced, high-character defensive back who can wear multiple hats in the secondary despite not having many elite physical tools.

It’s worth acknowledging that Moore took over as Alabama’s “star” defender, following Brian Branch’s drafting by the Detroit Lions. This means he was a pivotal hybrid defensive back in Saban’s scheme, picking up where Branch left off. Branch quickly became one of the Lions most important players on defense under Glenn in his time in Detroit.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Glenn see some similar traits in Moore and see him playing a key role in the Jets’ secondary defense. The Jets certainly needed a safety with their room being very thin at that position. The only safeties currently on the Jets roster are Tony Adams, Andre Cisco, Jarius Monroe, and Jaylin Simpson. So, it’s safe to say that Moore could very well be in contention to be a starter come the time of the 2025 NFL season kicks off.

Overall, the Jets found a smart, versatile defensive back who fits the mold exactly in what they’re trying to build. This was a move, simply put,t with the future in mind. Moore can be an immediate impact player, and it should be interesting to see how he develops in the 2025 NFL season and beyond.

Scott Mitchell

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